2017 Annual Dues Reminder - Renew or Join now!

Posted by John Jerabek302.20sc on August 08, 2017

Dear friends,

When you received your 2016 annual dues reminder, the battle to defend Santa Monica Airport was in full swing with the SMAA leading the charge. As you read this appeal, you may be well aware of how much the ground has shifted in such a short time.

2017 has so far been one of the toughest years SMO has ever faced. In January, just as administrations in Washington were changing, the FAA Administrator and temporary acting Secretary of Transportation used the opportunity to make a clandestine deal with Santa Monica’s Mayor and City Manager. This settlement agreement would allow the City to potentially shorten the runway to 3,500 feet as soon as December, 2017 and possibly close our 100 year-old airport forever at the end of 2028. The SMAA’s leadership role in new legal challenges to combat these threats has never been more vital.

As in all wars, it is not who wins or loses individual battles that counts, it’s who is ultimately victorious in the end. Our association is 100% committed to winning the war to save SMO and we still have time and the undeniably real value of this irreplaceable transportation asset on our side. We are in this to the finish and as in the past, we need your continued intellectual, emotional and especially financial help.

On a positive note, the SMAA has been ramping up our community outreach efforts. With your support, we are now hosting monthly public aviation events at SMO (7 so far this year) for kids, families and enthusiasts highlighting the many community benefits of our municipal airport. Fly-in’s and more member events are planned for later this year and into 2018. SMAA members attend every SM City Council meeting and Airport Commission meeting advocating for SMO. Additionally, we are building local alliances with other community organizations, such as the Red Cross who has a strong interest and commitment in keeping SMO open and operating.

Please renew your membership and make an especially generous additional donation this year to keep us well armed in the ongoing battles to win the war! What do you spend to top off your aircraft? One way to consider how much to donate is to give the Association the equivalent of a tank or two of fuel. To keep SMO flying we need our defensive and outreach efforts to be well fueled. Do not lose hope SMO advocate. Please reach as deep as you can!